Connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and slicing through the heart of a continent, the canal eliminates the need to cross the treacherous waters of South America and Cape Horn.

Above, our cruise ship (the blue deck) enters the Gatun Lock from the Atlantic side. Through a series of three locks, a vessel is raised 85 feet above sea level to the canal’s elevated channel. 

As we entered the first lock, a car carrier was in the third lock ahead of us, and another vessel sailing towards the Atlantic was in the centre lock. All six locks operate independently of each other!

Me, pictured, as we enter the middle lock. Behind the black lighthouse you’ll see a covered viewing gallery where visitors can sit and watch ships pass through the locks.

More on this amazing journey tomorrow as we travelled eight miles to the next lock!

Pictured above with Mike and I is a Palenquera, an iconic symbol of the city of Cartagena, representing Afro-Colombian history and cultural heritage and for their ability to balance large bowls of fruit on their heads! We’re standing in front of the San Felipe de Barajas Fort.

Above is a photo of Bocagrande, known for its high-rise apartments and beachfront views, backed by palm-lined promenades, an eclectic dining scene, high-end international fashion and a happening night-life!

And finally to the bohemian area of Getsemani, admiring once more the colourful houses, watching a local baseball game taking place in the street (which are closed to traffic on Sundays), and where Airbnbs are a popular option for visitors (the lady in the pink swimsuit is standing is one such rental in the city)!

Cartagena was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. The city’s strategic location, on a secluded bay facing the Caribbean Sea, meant that it was an essential stop from Europe to the West Indies during the time of commercial and naval exploration. 

By the sea is the walled Old Town founded in the 16th century which we explored today with squares, cobblestone streets and lots of churches!

A street in the walled Old Town of Cartagena.

Despite its 16th century roots, Cartagena today is a modern and glorious explosion of colour. Fuchsia pink bougainvillea tumbles down from painted balconies, while well-preserved colonial buildings painted in vibrant colours line the streets.

Glorious white-washed buildings with painted balconies and doors!

The buildings are no longer family homes or businesses but are a series of high-end retail boutiques, restaurants, hotels and night-life venues.

A metal statue depicting domino players by Colombian artist Edgardo Carmona.

The sea is quite rough today and our ship is rocking and rolling and everyone is walking around like a drunken sailor!

The picture above shows our progress to date. We’ll be in Cartagena, Colombia tomorrow. Yippee!

To finish my brief tour of the ship, up on deck 8 is the Arts Cafe, pictured above. Here you can get light snacks from 6.30 a.m. to 11 p.m. It is a buzzy place used as a meeting point and offers a selection of sandwiches at lunchtime and a cream tea in the afternoon. It also displays some interesting artwork that I believe you can buy. 

On the same deck, there is a boutique, pictured above, if you are in need of some retail therapy and are not adverse to giving your credit card a serious work out!

And finally, on deck 9 there is the Connoisseur’s Corner where Mike hangs out in the afternoon smoking a cigar!

This morning, while enjoying chilling out in the Observatory lounge on Deck 11, pictured above, we passed Cuba, pictured below.

The ship has a well-equipped gym with a range of cardiovascular machines, a weight room and a pilates/stretching room, plus classes or private work-out sessions with a trainer depending on your needs. Below, far right, is my beloved rowing machine and the view I have while working out!

In the same area of the ship, there is also a Beauty Spa with a hair salon and offering a variety of treatments such as facials, massages and body wraps.

Sauna and steam rooms are a real treat after working out and this ship also has a thalassotherapy pool filled with warm seawater. This pool, pictured below, is intended to improve circulation and help with joint pain, among other therapeutic effects, due to the body’s absorption of trace minerals found in seawater. I have yet to explore this option and will give you the low-down in the coming days!

The Silver Moon is one of Silversea’s newest class of ships spanning eight decks with a passenger count of 596 and a crew of 411, and where we are set to enjoy a serious level of luxury! 

As an all inclusive cruise, we have a choice of eight restaurants plus a 24-hour room-service option; unlimited drinks both non-alcoholic and alcoholic; a daytime programme including lectures, cooking classes and Team Trivia, etc. and a pretty good wi-fi service that meets my browsing and blogging needs.

Above, the Veranda Lounge, located on deck 5, where our suite is also sited, with a rather splendid bar offering a full drinks and coffee service.

En-route to boarding our ship, we stopped to have dinner with Mike’s cousin, the Lovely Lorraine, pictured below with Mike.

And, and her husband, Gorgeous George who is celebrating his Birthday today.

Happy Birthday George x